2008 Minnesota Golden Gophers College Football Predictions

Minnesota finished 1-11 in the 2007-08 season and went 0-8 in the Big Ten Conference. Even its win was no walk in the park as it took overtime to defeat Miami Ohio. Find out if things will go any better for second year head man Tim Brewster in Jimmy Boyd's 2008 Minnesota Golden Gophers predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

The offense showed signs of improvement over the course of last season with redshirt freshman Adam Weber leading the way. Weber set his fair share of school passing records in his first season under center, but his 19 interceptions are cause for concern. I think he'll be smarter with the football this season which will allow him to be even more effective in Minnesota's spread attack. Weber is a good athlete, and he also led the Gophers in rushing yards with 617 last year. The Gophers are going to have to have some other running options emerge for this offense to really work. Running backs Duane Bennett and Jay Thomas will hope to be those guys. Junior Erik Decker set a school record with 67 grabs last season but he is the only returning receiver with any kind of credentials.

Defense

The defense was nonexistent last season. The Gophers ranked dead last in the nation in total defense and had one of the worst statistical seasons in recent NCAA history. The terrible season prompted defensive coordinator Everett Withers to leave for North Carolina after just one season. In comes former Duke head man Ted Roof to become Minnesota's sixth defensive coordinator since 2000. Minnesota made defense a priority in recruiting, landing 20 players who should see some action this year, including seven projected starters. These newcomers should make up the entire secondary which will likely be bad for now and good for the future. The coaching staff has high hopes for junior college transfer Tramaine Brock. The safety should add speed and playmaking ability to the secondary. The Gophers went juco shopping up front too, landing Tim McGee and Cedrick McKinley to take over two line spots. The Gophers have to be excited about the return of senior defensive end William VanDeSteeg. A broken wrist took him out of commission last season, but he has 10-sack sophomore season is what has the coaching staff excited.

Special Teams

The Gophers have a solid kicking game and that is a must for this team as field position and converting every opportunity will be essential to their success. Punter Justin Kucek should be a Ray Guy Award candidate. Kucek averaged 42.7 yards per punt, with 13 of more than 50 yards. He also placed 21 punts inside the 20 and forced 15 fair catches. Place kicker Joel Monroe took over early last season and was steady. The Gophers are expecting big things from him in a full season.

Prediction – 10th in Big Ten

I like what Minnesota is doing with bringing in junior college transfers to get a little bit more experienced player on the defensive side of the ball. The move might get the Gophers a couple more wins in 2008, but I can't see them finishing better than next to last in the Big Ten ahead of Northwestern but behind Indiana and Purdue.

Jimmy Boyd's 2008 Big Ten Conference predictions will let you know how Jimmy sees the 11-team conference shaping up this year. Make sure you check out all of his college football predictions to see how he sees all the major conferences shaking out in the upcoming season. No other handicapper puts in the time in the research room that Jimmy Boyd does and that's why his football picks win at the highest rate.

June 15th, 2008